From Kolkata

This came in over the weekend from Mamma Mia, Me a Mamma?

I finally met Santanu Ghose, the man who got in touch with us regarding the dhobi's son, whose name is Ankit, by the way. I have Ankit's medical reports as well as X-rays with me. I have spoken to my friend whose brother is an orthopaedic surgeon and she'll be taking me to meet him sometime next week so that I can get his opinion.

As for Aahana, I'm afraid we need to move the appeals to a bigger level...

Update from Kolkata

Update from Kolkata, from Mamma Mia! Me a Mamma?:

No updates on the dhobi's son. I plan on calling the father after the Durga Pujo gets over. I'd like to meet him. In the meanwhile, I've spoken to a close friend of mine whose brother happens to be an orthopaedic surgeon. I plan on visiting him with the reports and X-rays once I get my hands on them.

As for Aahana...sigh, bad news I'm afraid. Aahana's stomach tube has developed two holes. The doctors have done a temporary patch-up job, but it will need to be replaced within the next six months. The cost of the operation including three-four days at the hospital can amount to anything between Rs. 30 - 40,000/-. Purnima also said that we need to take into consideration, Aahana's frail health. Her last operation, as you all know, had her staying back at the hospital for six weeks. That may be a huge possibility here as well.

I spoke to Purnima's son. It was a much-needed conversation, because now I know exactly where they stand on the PF issues, the monetary needs and the guardianship issues. He is a huge help to the mother and he is leaving no stone unturned to try and get every last cent of his sister's money from wherever it may be stuck.

After the conversation with Mr. Goswami, it has become apparent that what is really the need of the hour, a lump sum of money that they can fall back on when situations as the above arise.

Fund-raising needs to start in earnest now. What with it being Durga Puja, maybe we can put up some posters in a few pandals all over the city.


Edited to add: If you would like to help Aahana or the dhobi's son with funds for both operations, do write in to us at info@indiahelps.org or indiahelps@gmail.com.

Update on Aahana

This came in from Mamma Mia! Me a Mamma? from our Kolkata chapter:

The latest regarding Aahana:
Purnima had gone to the IICP on the 31st where they did a full-scale investigation on Aahana. They will be writing out a disability report which Purnima hopes will help her recover some of her daughter's pending funds.
She collected the cheque (from Panchtatwa, thank you Sangeeta!) and we spent some time talking.
I reminded her to call me when her son is in town and she says that she has not forgotten.
Aahana hasn't been keeping too well and she's lost more weight. I felt like crying when I saw her this time...

If anyone would like to help Aahana, please do write in at info@indiahelps.org or indiahelps@gmail.com

Update on Aahana

This from Mamma mia!! Me a mamma?:
I've spoken to Purnima a couple of times over the past ten days. The heat has really been troubling the poor girl. Purnima and her son-in-law took Aahana to the Indian Inst. of Cerebral Palsy on Friday. Aahana checked out fine, but they referred her to a paediatrician who practices along with my sons' paediatrician. She also happens to be my aunt-in-law's friend and I've heard good things about her, so I know Aahana will be well-looked after. The IICP will also be giving Purnima a letter stating Aahana's level of disability which they can produce in the court for the change of guardianship.

My place was on their way so they stopped while going back home to pick up the cheque. She has called the Panchtatwa up to personally thank them.

I have also spoken to her about setting up a trust fund for Aahana and she wasn't averse to the idea at all.

Aahana and Purnima: Update from Kolkata

This from Sunayana:
Hello.

Yesterday evening Baisali and I went over to Aahana's place. My first visit. We stayed and chatted with Purnima for about forty minutes during which time A's physiotherapist dropped by so we got to see him at work a little.

Purnima, touch wood, is looking and sounding far more relaxed and confident now that she's surrounded by her family. Her daughter, son-in-law (who live nearby) and her son and daughter-in-law (who have just come from Ranchi on a visit) all seem very supported and eager to do the best they can. The flat is in a quiet and apparently friendly locality, so that's good too. Purnima's husband was feeding Aahana through her stomach tube when we went and looked most enthused at being able to do his bit.

The Niigam's are sending in the monthly sums and it's all entirely used up for Aahana's care. Purnima said she maintains accounts of that. Aahana herself seemed a little unsettled when we went into the room to see her. It could be discomfort around strangers or it could be the change in position since she was lying comfortably in her physiotherapist's lap. Anyway, we didn't stay long there.
An ayah is expected to come for an interview today. With photographs and references.

P says LIC is refusing to pay up until something or the other matures. We've asked for more details on receipt of which B and I can approach LIC folks we know. Currently she's also a little worried about what is entailed in getting the disability certificate – B's brother-in-law is a legal eagle and will be asked to provide vishesh tippani on that.

Over all, things seem positive. Paperwork hassles abound but grandmother and granddaughter are doing better than when they arrived. Of course, Anindita's death is seeming harder to bear in the familiar surroundings. P asked after Rahul (that's my son) so I guess I'll take him over some time.

Update on Ahana

This report just in from Mamma mia!! Me a Mamma?:

Just spoke to Purnima.
Her Bombay nurse has left. She is on the lookout for a replacement. She had spoken to my contact who had promised to send her someone. Unfortunately, that person said she would not be able to look afterAahana as she has no experience with special needs. So right now the search is still on...
Ahana has been very ill for the last two days. She was screaming in pain due to stomach cramps. She seems to have calmed down now and was sleeping peacefully when I called.
The wheel chair has been put to use. The people from OttoBock have not sent the hood. They said it they will send it in ten days time.
I received the cheque for Purnima yesterday (Thank you Panchtatva!). Shall visit her next week to drop it off.
I also managed to speak to Mrs. Ranu Banerjee (who used to head the Indian Institute for Cerebral Palsy in Kolkata). She has asked us to take an appointment on a Thursday and inform her in advance so that she could contact the concerned personnel there. When I informed Purnima about this, she said that she was planning on taking Aahana there next Thursday itself. Keeping my fingers crossed about this...
Sonu and Madhurima Niigam have sent in contributions and have asked Purnima to check. They said that they would be depositing the money on the 6th or 7th of every month. (God bless them both!)

Edited to add: If any reader can help Purnima with a nurse who is experienced in handling a child with special needs, please do write in to us at indiahelps@gmail.com or info@indiahelps.org.

Update from Kolkata on Ahana

This report from Mamma Mia!!! Me a Mamma???:



Hello all! Just wanted to tell you all that Purnima called last night. Her bank a/c in Kolkata has finally become operational. There was a marked change in the attitude and behaviour of the staff as well and she was treated with a lot of respect and courtesy. She is truly grateful and sends a huge shout-out to the Bombay team too.



She deposited the two cheques that were sent to her. It'll be a while before the money is credited to her a/c as they are outstation cheques.





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Update on Ahana

This report from Mamma Mia!!! Me a Mamma??:

I have been in regular touch with Purnima. I spoke to her a little while ago to wish her for the New Year.
* I had given her some centre numbers from where one can hire ayahs and nurses. Right now, she is following up with a contact given to her by her son-in-law. This nurse will be visiting her soon. In the meanwhile, she is making arrangements for her Bombay nurse to come back. She has booked tickets using the Tatkal services.

* The cheque sent from Bombay arrived at my place today. I told her that the earliest I could visit her would be next week sometime, perhaps on Tuesday. If before that, she could send someone to my place to collect the cheque, that would be great.

* She is in the process of opening an SBI account near her place. Should take another day or two. She'll give me the account details as soon as she gets them. In the meanwhile, if someone would like to put in some money in her account directly, they can use the Bombay account.

* She is very happy with the physiotherapist who is coming to work with Aahana. She has been progressing well under his guidance.

* She spoke to Sonu and Madhurima Niigam, who will be working something out regarding the money transfers.

* She was hoping for some help from film star, Mithun Chakraborty.



Meanwhile, I spoke to my friend whose mom used to work for the Spastics Society. I am very hopeful regarding this source and I hope a lot of good can come of it.







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Update on Aahana from Kolkata

This from Mamma Mia! Me a Mamma?!?:

Here is the update:

After arriving in Kolkata, Purnima Goswami called up one of the
Kolkata coordinators, requesting her to get in touch with Aahana's doctor in Mumbai. Aahana was restless through the train journey and got a fever of 102.5 during the second night. Purnima wanted the doctor's permission to start Aahana on Augmentin. Dr. Nabi informed us that Purnima should hold off till Sunday and just continue with Crocin syrup. if the fever was still high on Sunday, then they would start off with the Augmentin.

When I called later on in the evening to find out how Aahana was faring, Purnima informed her that the fever had crossed 103 and so she got in touch with Dr. Nabi herself, requesting the go-ahead for the antibiotic. The doctor was still willing to wait for a day, but Purnima was frantic and so he agreed.

On Sunday, I had a small chat with Purnima regarding a doctor for Aahana. She said that they went to a Dr. Chattopadhyay, a peadiatric neurologist when Aahana was here a few years ago. Purnima will be visiting him once Aahana is better.

I called Purnima's daughter, Deboshree on Monday afternoon. Purnima has shifted into the new flat along with Aahana and even has a new phone number. Yesterday, a physiotherapist visited Aahana and Purnima. He will be starting sessions with Aahana today. Purnima wanted a back up just in case, so I suggested that maybe when she gets in touch with Dr. Chattopadyay, she could ask him to refer a physiotherapist who could help Aahana. Purnima liked the suggestion.

Purnima is also in need of a nurse to help her look after Aahana. There are some centres here that provide nurses, but it's all about luck regarding whether one gets a good one or not.

She can't thank the Niiggams enough for what they are doing for her and she referred to them as "Narayan and Lakshmi". I assured her that the Mumbai team would call her soon.

She told us to give them a breather for a day or two, before "troubling them with a mad woman's woes".

Purnima cried a lot and couldn't stop talking about her daughter. She said that nobody let her cry after her daughter's death. It seemed like she was grateful to be finally allowed to break down a little bit. I assured her that we would visit her this week. Purnima suggested Thursday since that is when her daughter, Deboshree, would be there too.

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Bye Ahana!

This from Shyaam, who has been working on the Ahana Mishra case with OrangeJammies and Aparna:



Hello,
Went and met Purnima and Ahana last night. I have her daughter's number with me and so incase her number doesnt work we can get in touch with her daughter and get to know whats happening. I think thats about it from our side in Ahana's case as far as the Mumbai chapter is concerned. Was wonderful working on this.


(Edited to add: Purnima leaves for Kolkata today and the India Helps Kolkata team will now take over the baton on this case.)

Update on Ahana

This from Orangejammies:



Hi all,

Met Purnima and Ahana one last time on Sunday at Jaslok Hospital. Spent a better part of the 45-minute visit tying up loose ends. 2 things are left: 1. The setting up on the bank account where the Niigaams will transfer funds (Purnima was in talks with the bank when we last spoke) and 2. Some signatures on paperwork Shyaam was to bring over.

I noticed that Ahana was grinding her teeth almost non-stop and asked Purnima to look at getting grind-guards for her. She said she'd ask the dentist. Ahana was restless on Sunday, I hope she takes the train journey well.

I have told Purnima that the Kolkata team will be in touch with her once she lands. I will also be calling her a couple times while she is on the train to check on the both of them.

Mrs. Ratna Hiranandani wasn't in at the time I went over, so I could not close the case with her and say goodbye.

That's it from my end.





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Update on Ahana

This report from Orangejammies:



Hi all,

Spoke with Purnima this evening. Ahana gets discharged from Jaslok this Friday, March 27th. They leave for Kolkata next Thursday, April 2nd at 8.25 pm, by the Tilak Nagar-- Howrah Samarsatta Express. Ahana, Purnima and the nurse Ranjana will be travelling by 1st class AC. She is not keen on flying since she fears health complications (she mentioned a heart attack occuring in mid air). So I suppose the best we can do is come up with 3 one-way train fares and one return (for the nurse, whom she will send back after Poila Boishakh/ Bengali New Year.) By the way, she strongly recommends the nurse and has requested that we keep her in mind in case we know of anyone with the need for one.

About the wheelchair: Purnima has kept the rejected wheelchair with her since it wouldn't be appropriate for anyone else anyway, made as it was to Ahana's specifications. She has also given Rs. 20,000 to Rochelle Lobo of Otto bock to get hold of the kind of wheelchair Dr. Udwadia-Hegde recommends. She is now worried about coming up with the rest of the money, which is a lakh of rupees.

Ahana is doing well. Purnima's older daughter has rented a home close to hers and will be staying with them. She said her son-in-law would not join them there but would be available close at hand if problems arose.

I will be going to see Purnima and Ahana one last time on Thursday. She has said she will keep in touch with me from Kolkata. I gently encouraged her to maintain contact with our Kolkata team once there, since they will be better equipped to help her but have also said I am available for moral support.



Anyone wanting to help Purnimaji in Kolkata with moral support, medicines or funds is welcome to mail us at indiahelps@gmail.com.



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Update on Ahana

This from Orangejammies:



Hello people,

Here's a condensed update on the Ahana situation, as of this Saturday. I have not had an opportunity to speak with Purnima after that. She is likely to be discharged from Jaslok by the 25th or 26th. Dr. Udwadia Hegde has rejected the wheelchair that Purnima had ordered for her, so she's lost 7000 rupees. I asked her to either keep it or then ensure Mr. Joshi sells it and gives her the proceeds. According to Purnima, the doc has recommended an Otto bock wheelchair for Ahana, which will cost in the vicinity of a lakh and twenty five thousand rupees. Purnima is keen on getting a second hand one, if at all.

Sue, I asked where they'd be living in Kolkata, and she said her daughter currently lives in Tollygunge but they are looking for a rental apartment at present time and that could be anywhere in the city.

Purnima is keen that she, Ahana, the nurse and a doctor travel to Kolkata by train, since Ahana developed complications the last time she travelled by air. I will speak with Dr. Nabi about this tomorrow.

That's it from my end, folks. Good night.





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On Ahana's birthday celebrations

Anand Holla of the Mumbai Mirror wrote a lovely article on Ahana's
birthday celebrations in today's issue of the paper.

Here's the link:
http://www.mumbaimirror.com/article/2/2009031720090317034056322566da5f/A-quiet-birthday-for-Ahana.html

Thank you Anand, for the help in raising awareness about Ahana's
plight. I do hope Poornimaji gets some calls from folks who would like
to help this child.

If anyone reading this blog would like to help, do write in at
indiahelps@gmail.com.

Happy Birthday, Ahana!

From team India Helps.

OrangeJammies went in to meet Ahana today, as did Shyaam. Here is OJ's report:

Hi Team,
Firstly, you guys are totally fabulous for sending in all those gorgeous presents for Ahana! I felt like Santa and my arms now have muscles from lugging all that loot. I went to Jaslok at 4.10 pm and stayed until 5. We gently introduced Ahana to all the beautifully wrapped packages and the card and bouquet of roses and then opened each one. She was dressed in a new tee-shirt and shorts set and her grandmother said they had a separate outfit for the evening. I was pleasantly surprised to see that some colorful streamers had been put up on the walls and the windows. She was a bit cranky on-and-off today but did reach out to brush her fingers against the pink teddy and didn't seem to mind when Poornima made the little beige one nuzzle her cheek and "kiss" her. We put up her card on the wall (it's baby blue and has teddies on it--and says "from the bunch of us on your birthday") and arranged her gifts on the bed for her to see them. We had a doll, 2 teddies, a puzzle, a portable mini-radio with headphones (that made me wish it were my birthday), a puzzle/mould toy, a skirt and blouse outfit, the cheque from Smitha that I handed over (many thank yous, Smitha!), the huge birthday card, roses and chocolate cake. Am I missing anything? We sang happy birthday and lit candles and cut the cake. Joining us in the celebration from the adjacent cubicle were 5 year old Nidhi, a cancer patient, and her family. Little Nidhi, who is as bald as the Mahatma, has been very curious about "the aunty who comes to see Ahana" and wanted me to get Akshay Kumar to meet her! Oh lordee, help! I know more about Mars than Bollywood!
I took some pictures and will send them in two or three installments because the file is too big to send in one go. What was touching was that all the ward boys and cleaning ladies on the floor asked me how the birthday celebration was as I left. As a preschool owner, I get my share of warm fuzzies daily, but the dose today made me bounce down 9 flights of stairs without bothering to wait for the elevator.
Thank you, Team. I was so proud to represent all of you today.
The good news is that Ahana is likely to be in hospital until the 21st, after which she and Poornima will move to Nemat Jabbar's house for a week to 10 days and then onward to Calcutta. It may be a good idea to get the transition plan in place, as well as the flight tickets, once they are discharged. We also need to complete bank account formalities with the Niigaams before Ahana leaves the city.
Thanks and good night.

Edited to add: A big Thank You to Prachi (Rs 10,000 cash), Smitha (Rs 5000 cheque) and Manjari (Rs 7000 for the wheelchair)for the money given to Poornima. Thank you Madhavi for the birthday outfit, Priyanka for the radio, Parul for the Teddy bear and OJ for being Cake and card bearing Santa!

We need to organise three flight tickets to Kolkata and one return ticket for Ahanas nurse who will be going with them to help Ahana settle. If any CSR division of any airlines could help us, we would be grateful! Or any kind soul who would like to sponsor the fares, could write in to us at indiahelps@gmail.com.

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Update on Ahana Mishra case

This update from Orangejammies:



Hi all,

I spoke with Poornima Goswami earlier today and conveyed to her information regarding opening a joint account with Ahana and being. able to withdraw from any networked bank once the account has been set up. I took Smitha Verma, the journalist from The Telegraph to see Poornima this afternoon. I briefed her on the IH role in the case, gave her a background on IH and told her about what we're currently upto. The peg of her story was how bloggers converged to form India Helps. She also spoke with Poornima regarding Ahana and our role in helping the family. About the LIC policy that wasn't paid out to the family, it appears they were late in paying the premium, which is why they've lost Rs. 2 lakhs post Anindita's death and the company refuses to consider the case. I have asked for the relevant paperwork so our legal folks on board can look through it and Poornima said she will try to retrieve it from their Vashi home.

We also went upstairs to Ahana's room to meet the child. She is better now, given her poor condition earlier. Was a little restless and not too happy about being changed, but Poornima appeared positive about her improvement. She also had more cleaning done to her teeth today (her dentist is Dr. Mala Jagtiani) and has had fillings drilled into several teeth. Poornima showed us some picture albums of Ahana as a baby and also pictures of her own daughter Anindita.

Poornima mentioned again that Mr. Mithun Chakraborty has pledged help after the family moves to Calcutta and he has asked to be messaged when they land. No departure plans are being made just yet.

Ahana's 6th birthday is coming up on Monday, March 16th, and I will be going to celebrate Ahana and her life in some small way. Do join me if you can.



If you would like to join OrangeJammies and IH in celebrating Ahana's birthday in some way, write in to us at indiahelps@gmail.com or info@indiahelps.org.



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Update on Ahana Mishra

This from OrangeJammies:



I spoke with Poornima Goswami last Thursday and she said Ahana's physical condition is now stable. She has had the. gastrostomy and did not have any fever or seizures for the past 2 days. Plans for the dental surgery (removal of 90% of her teeth, as mentioned to me by Dr. Nabi) are on hold right now, due to the arrival of a dental expert on board, one Dr. Maya (last name unclear) who does not recommend removal due to consequent trauma. Ahana has had two dental cleanings as of Thursday. No decision has been arrived at about her discharge.

Poornima is keen I meet Ahana, and I hope to do so this week.



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Ahana Mishra case -- conversation with Dr. Nabi

This report just in from OrangeJammies. Kind souls who would like to help this child, please do contact us urgently, we will give you details of how you could send your cheque directly to Poornima Goswami, Ahana's grandmother. Alternately you could also send in funds towards the Ahana Mishra case directly to the hospital:

Hi team,
I met with Dr. Fazal Nabi at his consultation room at Saifee Hospital on Monday. He is a pediatric neuro-emergency specialist and an intensivist on Ahana Mishra's case. He works in conjunction with Dr. Anahita Udwadia Hegde.
Ahana's is a case of Cerebral Palsy (CP) with mental retardation (MR) and, as per her IQ of 40-50 (70 being borderline retardation), she has a moderate retardation level. Her current ill health is a result of emotional deterioration post her mother's death as well as physical complications. Primary among these are: a high risk of infection, aspiration issues (lungs are weak and she needs a ventilator), low nutrition, no immunity and repeated urinary infections due to diaper use. All this forms a vicious cycle to further drag her down. She also has the complications that develop in a bedridden patient and has been experiencing seizures more frequently since her mother's death. She is currently on 4 different drugs to help control her epilepsy, as opposed to the one or two that used to be effective earlier. The doctors aim to bring her seizures under control, keep infection levels down and get her back to pre-illness levels.
At the time of our conversation, Ahana had a nose-stomach tube for feeding, which needed to be removed due to complications of sinusitis and replaced with a tube directly to her stomach. This procedure, called a gastrostomy, was delayed due to Ahana's high fever. There had been no fever in the past 24 hours and surgery was scheduled on either Tuesday or Wednesday. The procedure would be 'short anasthesia' with the insertion of an endoscopic tube through the mouth to the stomach to make a hole in the stomach wall. It is estimated to take 30 minutes.
It was conducted at Jaslok hospital today. I received a call from Poornima (her grandmother) this afternoon saying the surgery was complete and Ahana is currently in the ICU.
The next major surgery that needs to be conducted on Ahana is the extraction of 90% of her teeth, due to severe decay and a possibility of oral cavity infection. According to Poornima, that surgery will cost at least Rs. 35,000.
Dr. Nabi envisages a hospital stay of at least 2-3 more weeks for Ahana. He mentioned that the hospital bill as of Monday was a lakh of rupees. Poornima said today that Mrs. Hiranandani received a cheque of Rs. 5000 from a donor toward Ahana's expenses but more finances will be required. She was glad to learn about the wheelchair cost donor and said she would send me the details of the manufacturer so we could pay him directly.
Ways to help financially:
1. Sponsor the child's gastrostomy tube. Pediatric tubes are more expensive and cost anywhere between Rs. 7500 and 15000, depending on the manufacturer.
2. A night nurse charges Rs. 650/night and a day nurse charges Rs. 350/ day, so the cost of 24 hour help is Rs. 30,000 a month.
3. Dr. Nabi said medicines post discharge will easily total to Rs. 10,000 a month.
4. In addition, there will be PT and OT costs to bear.
He was rightly concerned about post-discharge costs for the child's health upkeep and asked IH to seek donors for the same.
Also, the hospital bills are mounting. Any amount towards this would be welcome.
That's it from my end for now.


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Update on Ahana Mishra

OrangeJammies visited Poornima Goswami yesterday at Jaslok Hospital. Here is her report:

I met with Poornima Goswami, Ahana's grandmother and Mrs. Ratna Hiranandani at Jaslok Hospital yesterday. The meeting lasted for an hour. Mrs. Hiranandani said it was best I speak with Poornima and proceeded to call her to her office.
I did tell Poornima I was part of Shyaam and Aparna's team (gave both my card) but she gave me all the case details of her own volition, many of which I was already aware of, but it was cathartic for her and I let her speak. She frequently broke down and provided information from her daughter's past but spoke lucidly enough about the present and future as well. Here are details from our conversation (some of which we may already know). Not all may be relevant at present time, but may give us a clearer larger picture:

So far:

1. Ahana's only caregiver in the city is Poornima. Her father abandoned the family when she was a year old and now lives in Delhi and has no contact with them.
2. Ahana was helped by Dr. Devashish Vishwas when she was born in Durgapur, West Bengal. Dr. Vishwas, from what I gathered, practices in Calcutta. When in Bombay with her mother, Ahana used to receive physiotherapy at the cerebral palsy centre in Vashi, but that had to stop due to the family's financial constraints. They even had to move homes because they could not afford the Rs.6000 rent they were paying. Money was tight, but Anindita was aiming to be promoted to a managerial position in order to draw a higher salary and would put in long hours at work. She was eventually promoted but shortly after, was murdered. Reliance, her employers, gave the family Rs 9 lakhs as life insurance. The amount was doubled as it was a case of accidental death (at least that's the phrase Poornima used). She will need to access Anindita's provident fund account in 6 months' time.

Currently:
3. A lady called Nemat Jabbar has been helping Poornima and Ahana after reading about them in the news. She just showed up in their lives and has helped them by putting them in touch with Dr. Shilpa Aloskar and Dr. Nitin Kadam at MGM Hospital, Vashi. The hospital did not charge her for their services and Poornima voluntarily gave them Rs. 41,000 from the funds she has received. An unused apartment at Mahim was offered to them but Poornima has decided she will stay close to Nemat while she is in Bombay after all she has done for them.
4. In addition to the Rs 9 lakhs that have been received and invested in Ahana's name, Poornima mentioned that she received Rs. 5000 from numerologist Sanjay Jumani, which she used to pay rent. One nurse for Ahana is being provided by Sonu Nigam, who has promised that he will continue to pay for a nurse wherever in the world Ahana may be relocated. The 2nd nurse's fees are split by Vikas Nandlal and Nemat Jabbar, with Poornima contributing to the shortfall, if there is one. Ahana has received a nebulizer and body splints. No further cheques have come in at this time. Mithun Chakraborty has promised help once they arrive in Kolkata. Poornima repeatedly expressed gratitude for help given by complete strangers. Mrs. Hiranandani said that expenses are mounting, so they would be grateful for any aid they receive from donors or Poornima herself.
5. Financial aid received has been used to purchase the following equipment for Ahana: 1. suction machine 2. oxygen cylinder. Poornima has ordered a wheelchair from a certain Mr. Joshi (she said she couldn't remember details like his company's name at the moment) for Rs. 7000. It has special straps that will hold her in place, an attached pot, and a high back so she can use it even as she grows taller. This wheelchair is being paid for by Poornima herself.
6. Medically, her situation stands thus: She currently has high fever and the surgery she was to undergo has been pushed to next week to give her body time to recuperate. Her team of doctors at Jaslok comprises of Dr. Anahita Udwadia Hegde and Dr. Fazal Nabi. Mrs. Hiranandani contacted Dr. Nabi to have him attend our meeting but he was out of the hospital at the time. I spoke with him and he said he would be back 2 hours later and could meet with me then. I had to get his number and let him know I'd get back to him about a meeting since I was due to head back to work very shortly. We will need to call him very soon and set up a meeting.

In the future:
7. Poornima acknowledges that the facilities and aids she receives in Bombay may not be duplicated in Kolkata, but plans to move there eventually. She is the sole caregiver at this time and will fare better with family support.
8. Dr. Udwadia Hegde has a doctor friend in Kolkata and has informed Poornima that she will be referring the case to her. One of Ahana's nurses, Ranjana, has developed a good rapport with her and plans to assist the family's transition to Calcutta by travelling with them, settling them in and supervising the training of the new local nurse. Poornima mentioned taking a train to Cal, at which point I suggested flying, given Ahana's condition and the risk of medical emergencies on a 36-hour train ride. Perhaps if we could seek donors for 3 flight tickets to Calcutta and one back (for Ranjana, who Poornima refuses to send back alone by train) it would ease the burden on them.
9. If an IH member in Kol can pick up the case and coordinate when they arrive, it would further aid their transition. As of this time, Ahana's health has to stabilize and physiotherapy resumed when possible. I mentioned Dr. Nasreen's offer to Poornima and she was glad to hear about it.

Immediate tasks:
10. Set up a meeting with Dr. Nabi to assess medical situation and possibilities for assistance.
11.Get specific aid for medical expenses, post operative care and the wheelchair.

Lastly,
Pray. Poornima and Ahana need all the help they can get. It took all my social work training to reign in my emotions and not let them rule the moment. I would like to put in a request to remain on this case for at least as long as Ahana is at Jaslok, as I believe I have established a positive bond with Poornima and Mrs. Hiranandani in particular, who was very warm and responsive when I departed.

That's it from my end.

Edited to add: Kind souls who would like to help out please do email us at indiahelps@gmail.com.

We are seeking sponsors for three air tickets to Kolkatta and one return ticket to Mumbai.

As also funds to offset expenses incurred at Jaslok.

Anyone based in Kolkata who could offer any sort of assistance when they do relocate, please do write in too.

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Update on Aahana Mishra

This update from Shyaam:

I went to Jaslok Hospital yesterday and met Poornima (Aahana's maternal grandmother). Spoke to her and got many details. Firstly, the doctor in MGM (Dr. Shilpa) co-ordinated with a doctor in Jaslok (Dr. Anaitha Udwadia Hegde) and they had an understanding that Aahana may be shifted to Jaslok after her treatment in MGM. I will get the details of the treatment after I speak to Anaitha after I get the number from Poornima. There is also Dr. Fazal who is with Dr. Anaitha for Aahana's treatment in Jaslok.

Secondly, she was not charged a penny in MGM hospital. They were very kind enough to waive a bill of Rs 3.4 lakhs. Poornima told me that on her insistence they accepted a cheque of Rs 42k from her. MGM insisted that Poornima should not pay them from Aahana's account. She got this from a person who wrote the cheque in favour of MGM directly for Aahana's treatment.

In Jaslok she thought she would have to pay for hospital expenses but there is a social worker who is stationed in the hospital itself (Mrs. Mulchandani, couldn't get her first name) who helped them out and ensured that she gets free treatment in Jaslok also. But Poornima requested that if anyone is ready to help, they can draw a cheque in the name of Jaslok Hospital and write on account of Aahana's treatment. Will get the details for that.

I asked her about the help she got from Sonu Nigam and Mithun Chakravarthy. Sonu Nigam has sponsored a nurse for Aahana who takes care of Aahana in the morning. Aahana also has an evening nurse. Poornima said Mithun also spoke to her and had promised that she would get help from some corporates with whom he has had a word about Aahana but it didn't materialize because that happened just before the 26/11 attacks and after that it might have died down in that chaos and she has not also asked him. He has anyways promised that he will help her in every possible way after she comes to Calcutta with Aahana.

She was mentioning that she has received immense support and help from media and it is because of the media that people from all over the world have called her and have been helping her. She said there was a couple who called her from USA, who were ready to adopt Aahana. She readily agreed, but her condition was that she should also be adopted along with Aahana.

She also spoke about how indifferent Aahana's father has been all this while. He has not even bothered to call and find out how her condition is. I saw Aahana yesterday and she looked much better. She was sleeping when I saw her yesterday.

Now for the things we need to do on a priority basis according to me:

* I will speak to the doctor (Dr. Anaitha) and get more details about her condition.
* The medicines for Aahana are not provided by hospital and therefore they will require money for that also.
* Wheel chair (we can figure that out once I speak to the Doctor)

I will be getting in touch with Navin also since he told me that he has been collecting funds for Aahana from USA. He will be coming to India on Saturday. Poornima spoke very highly of Navin. He has always been in touch with her.

Does anyone have any contact in Jaslok? It will be easier for me to speak to the doctor if we have someone whom we know.

I was very touched to see the number of people who have been helping Poornima. One example is this guy whom I met yesterday. His name is Vivek, stays in Andheri and he is most of the time with them. He sends them the car and he was the one who helped them shift Aahana to Jaslok from MGM and also has offered Poornima the car whenever she wants.



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